Pasadena (Tinashe song)

Last updated

"Pasadena"
Tinashe - Pasadena.png
Single by Tinashe featuring Buddy
from the album 333
ReleasedJune 4, 2021 (2021-06-04)
Length2:56
Label Tinashe Music
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Todd Pritchard
  • Big Kidd
Tinashe singles chronology
"Lean on Me"
(2021)
"Pasadena"
(2021)
"Bouncin"
(2021)
Music video
"Pasadena" on YouTube

"Pasadena" is a song by the American singer and songwriter Tinashe from her fifth studio album, 333 (2021). It was released on June 4, 2021, as the lead single of 333, featuring rapper Buddy. Following earlier releases such as the 2020 single "Rascal (Superstar)" and the holiday EP Comfort & Joy, "Pasadena" was co-written and produced by Oliver Malcolm.

Contents

The track offers an airy, upbeat sound that explores themes of freedom and seasonal renewal. Its music video, directed by Micaiah Carter, depicts Tinashe and Buddy in a sunlit hillside home, combining relaxed moments with energetic choreography that reflects the song’s summery and carefree vibe.

Background

In 2020, Tinashe released the standalone single "Rascal (Superstar)" and followed it with a holiday-themed extended play titled Comfort & Joy. The following year, she returned with the single "Pasadena", featuring rapper Buddy, which served as the lead single for her upcoming studio album. [1] The track marked her first release since appearing on Cheat Codes' single "Lean on Me" the previous month, and introduced a vibrant collaboration with Buddy on an energetic, summer-ready sound. [2] The song was co-written and produced by Swedish-born, Los Angeles-based artist Oliver Malcolm. [3]

Composition

"Pasadena" is an airy, feel-good track with an early summer energy, blending mellow production with a laid-back rhythm. The song touches on themes of freedom, emotional lightness, and seasonal renewal. Vulture described it as having "straight vibes", highlighting its suitability for coasting on the road and capturing a hot girl summer mood. Tinashe sings lines like "Feelin' free, feelin' free, feelin' right" and "Summer's coming round the corner", evoking a sense of fresh beginnings. [4]

Music video

Less than a week after the release of "Pasadena", Tinashe unveiled its accompanying music video, directed by Micaiah Carter. [5] The music video for "Pasadena" follows Tinashe and Buddy as they retreat to a hillside home in California, featuring glass walls and expansive views. The visual emphasizes a sun-soaked, carefree atmosphere, with scenes of the pair relaxing on a balcony, smoking, and enjoying the secluded surroundings. Tinashe also showcases her choreography skills, leading a group of dancers in energetic routines that reflect the song's summery vibe and social media-ready appeal. [6]

References

  1. Rettig, James (June 4, 2021). "Tinashe – "Pasadena" (Feat. Buddy)". Stereogum. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  2. Kenneally, Cerys (June 4, 2021). "Tinashe unveils new Buddy collaboration "Pasadena"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  3. David James Young (June 7, 2021). "Tinashe links up with Buddy for new single 'Pasadena'". NME. United Kingdom. ISSN   0028-6362 . Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  4. Haylock, Joe (June 4, 2021). "Tinashe Is Back and She Brought the Vibe With 'Pasadena'" . Vulture. Archived from the original on June 4, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  5. Beauchamp, Jakori (June 10, 2021). "Tinashe Shares 'Pasadena' Video Featuring Buddy". Rated R&B. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  6. Williams, Aaron (June 9, 2021). "Tinashe And Buddy Get Away From It All In Their Sun-Washed 'Pasadena' Video". Uproxx. Retrieved June 25, 2025.